First Wash in 12 Years: ABANDONED C5 Corvette | Car Detailing Restoration

[@Bobby4v]

I was 22 years old and a detailer for a big Chevrolet dealership wheb the C5 came out. The first time I sat in a brand new one i was blown away on how much different it was than the c4. In 2007 my dad bought a 2000 convertible. Super clean car and he drove it but didn't treat it like normal old guys do, as in he didn't take good care of it. I would usually give it a once a year deep clean inside and out and eventually did the maintenance too. He sadly passed away may of 2023 and I got the car. It has 114k miles but runs and drives perfect. The paint is about a 4 but I've buffed it to atleast a 6 hahaa, but there is no body damage. I'm now going through it at my leasure fixing all the electrical gremlins that plague these cars. The thing about the c5 is it isn't worth anything unless its low mileage and pampered it's whole life. If you put 16k into that c5 in this video you'd lose alot of money if you sold it. The only way to get this car and make a profit is to get it cheap and do all the labor yourself, keeping the initial investment below 6 to 8k..You can find mid mileage c5s (30-40k miles) with nice paint and interiors for 18-24k. They are fun cars to drive and I do enjoy just cruising it on the back roads of VA with the top down, a slo g as it's not to hot hot because I haven't fixed the a/c yet.

[@geofslagle410]

Good story! Best wishes for your project. I would love to have one of my old Dad’s cars to restore.

[@artnor5084]

@@geofslagle410I was thinking the same thing. Such a cool story and good info too. RIP dad.

[@christianwild1697]

Good luck with you're car

[@chrisschaal925]

Stupid dumb asf story. Get to the point without a long sob story!

[@FrankZR1]

With all these abandoned Corvette's featured on here, the best car detailing channel I might add, there's starting to be an epidemic. A Corvette is one of the best driver sports cars for the money in the world and it's such a shame to see so many it seems to be rotting in barns and backyards. If you happen to be lucky enough to own one, no matter the generation, your Corvette deserves to be driven. So get up, grab your keys, put it in first, and go drive your CORVETTE!

[@djcrystalclear420]

someone will say they planted the car there lol

[@billyackerman1340]

Amen! I never need an excuse to drive mine

[@charlesdavis545]

I think somebody's stealing them. I'm with you; seeing this beauty rotting in a yard is unfathomable

[@brucekopping1287]

i owned a 93 for 22 years and i traded it for an 05 C6 three years ago. a Vette is a Vette no matter what. owning that C6 is the bomb

[@EagleScoutmano]

About 90% of Corvette owners are putting it in 'D', not '1st'.... XD That being said, I daily a '95 C4, and also put it in drive. XD

[@richroj]

Mike is a hard worker and always gives it 100% all the time. he deserves a lot of credit. Thanks Mike for all of your hard work 👍👍💯

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

Mike is a solid 8 for sure

[@FunWithCars716]

Who doesn't love seeing the before and after? Love it!

[@rickchowsr2532]

TBH I thought I would never watch a guy wash a car

[@FunWithCars716]

@@rickchowsr2532 somehow it's so satisfying 🤔 makes me consider more cars on Marketplace 👍

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

@@rickchowsr2532 lol, same! Im hooked tho.

[@NYCBostero]

I've been a mechanic for over 30 years. No way that job costs $16K. I can't believe this guy would go out in public and give that quote. Hey...at least he's an honest crook.

[@juliantlas1023]

That is exactly what I tought! Them mechancis just tried to ripp them off infront of millions of people. 😂😂😂I could get that car back on the road For $2k tops if the motor and tranny have no major issues.

[@davidtaynor1985]

I was thinking the same exact thing. Those guys saw a KZbinr come in and thought they just had unlimited resources. In reality, they just turned off a whole bunch of people to their shop.

[@juliantlas1023]

@@davidtaynor1985 fact!

[@3n3ly7m9]

Stay far away from that shop

[@webberfan1234]

16k can get you a decent C5 to begin with

[@OutrideMaro]

1:59 as soon as you said "we are starting something new on this channel" i was praying that you'd say you would fix up these cars and I WAS NOT DISSAPOINTED!! edit; i was dissapointed afterall they didnt fix up the car

[@dbzownz12345]

they didnt buy the car. Basically detiled it for FREE & wasted time. They should've just put O-Zone machine inside & gave quick rinse.

[@patricksmith3135]

Kudos for Mike. He is a great fit for the WD Team: knowledgeable, great work ethic, humorous too and very handsome/fit for all the heavy lifting etc. just like RJ and Brent.

[@V-10_raptorr]

I'm only 14 years old, and i'm subbed. I'm also working on my dad's rusty 2007 Mustang v6 that is extremely dirty and moldy and damaged in the interior. Gonna start uploading in about 1yr, so please ready up!

[@k8nbaby574]

OMGosh how precious is Logan?? I love that you showed that and also clarified on Mike's personality (LOL). How awesome his family plays detailer and encourages Logan and that you reinforced it, too. Brent, you keep editing like a master, buddy - us long-time watchers know your mad detailing skills (nobody, and I mean NOBODY wields an SOS pad like you, Bro!)

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

That was so sweet. RJ is awesome.

[@supermanblue2274]

Thanks Mike for all of your hard work for WD Detailing and its KZbin viewers! 👍

[@astronomical13]

The C2 is not just the best looking Corvette, it’s one of the most gorgeous cars ever made.

[@darknessislight3689]

As C5 owner this is heartbreaking 💔😔 glad it’s get a redo 😊

[@joaomiguelfarinha14]

Mike diserves much more credit in all the detailing cause he do a lot of the dirty job and task in the cars. Keep the awsome job.

[@mauricesthomas2399]

Blessings to WD detailing crew. Mike is an absolutely great addition and you all will go far. Blessings to Logan as well may his dreams come through. Much love from T&T 🇹🇹✌🏽👊🏽

[@rossgreen2867]

$12k ? Mechanics have no boundaries. What crooks

[@3n3ly7m9]

very correct

[@richardlafleur2511]

One can't say because they don't know if the motor run. Remember they have no keys so they never crank it up.

[@dbzownz12345]

I agree with that. Their labor rate is def not $100/hr at a place like that. No way is that guy going to be on that car for 8hrs just for inspection alone.

[@dbzownz12345]

@@richardlafleur2511 exactly & with that said, that guy shouldnt be on that car for 8hrs. I'd def not even consider that shop with that price tag. Would it work for along time, sure. However, their rates are too much.

[@miriamvillarreal-wilson6418]

@@dbzownz12345 Um, those dudes build cars to go to SEMA. They are fabricators if you didn't notice. This isn't your average shade tree mechanic shop. The labor rate for dealerships is $200/hr and up. Average auto repair shops around $150-175/hr. $100/hr is pretty cheap, and nobody is doing it for less and any repair shops. The problem is most guys like WD Detailing really don't know their way around a car and don't turn wrenches. So they have to pay through the nose to get these cars running. Those that do turn wrenches and know a thing or two can get that car back on the road for far less. Learn how to work on cars and you won't be victim to auto shop labor rates.

[@nyernga]

If the engine isn't seized, put in fresh oil, a battery and new fuel and I guarantee you it will start and run. As a C5 owner I was happy to see this one. footnote: Pull the battery and battery tray and make sure the computer and associated wiring is in good shape and that no acid has dripped on them.

[@c0rpse1]

right? the shop seemed like idiots or they are making the price high so they can flip it or something. weird.

[@mikebland4935]

I have a 2010 C6 Black 58K mileage. Perfect condition and I love it. You guys did a great job.

[@jotighe2]

great addition of the CPP guys. that information is exactly what every person watching is thinking. whether its from CPP or just local mechanics and garage friends, but a "project assessment" should be a part of every detail find, and a part of every video.

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

We agree!

[@k8nbaby574]

and VERY relieved you're listening to advice and wearing your respirators, as I had 2 coworkers almost die from concentrated exposure to mice and bats' fecal matter at USGS - took 3 weeks in ICU to just pull out of it and they lost 40# and we so weak after. It's NO joke. God bless you 3 and your families - speakin' of - cannot WAIT to see you eventually incorporate your future kids into this show (my kids would LOVE to see that)

[@k8nbaby574]

16:14 - and yes mike - thanks also for what you bring to the channel - all the labor like popping open trunks etc and the killer insights into each vehicle, let alone humor

[@TerrellePaullman]

Thanks Mike for all your hard and dedicated work. I really appreciate very much.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Great job as always! Today I want to give a shout out to the editing. Most people (me included!) don't realise how much time goes into this. It's not just selecting the best footage out of probably dozens of hours of film, it's also putting the pieces together for a good story, decide on slow-mo vs time-lapse, where to ad some voice-over and last but not least choose and add the right music. It's an art form in itself! Edit: Concerning Mike, I few weeks ago I actually wrote a comment about how great he fits in 👍!

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

Dude, its not easy and too often gets overlooked!

[@stanguay169]

People with money, "forgetting" about a Corvette... It's crazy all those "abandoned" cars...

[@mexicanspec]

It may have been a crashed car and bought at Copart that had too many electrical problems.

[@tmoney99296]

​@@mikecooley3361lol do your research ok I'll do it for you only manual 02 and up cars, boom 💥 I just saved you!

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@mexicanspec any late car worth second look these days esp a vette. Use a leaf blower with car outside to empty it

[@Mad9977]

most of these barn finds are from people that have died, you should see the Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces that are abandoned in the Saudi desert.

[@michaelbray2762]

That C5 corvette was my stepfather’s the last it was driven back in 2019

[@TheGrb1980]

So you got to belive that this is not a good advert for the Thing and Grow Rich series.... Excellent job as always guys!

[@rajahkossuth]

Hey Mike great work on that C5 trunk lid! And for all the work you do. RJ and Brent, you guys do good work too! Keep it flowing!😊

[@EvilSardine084]

Can you not make photoshopped clickbait thumbnails please?

[@cadejust6777]

1. Can You Not Make Photoshopped Clickbait Thumbnails Please?. 2. Can You Not Make Photoshopped Clickbait Fingernails Please?. 3. Can You Not Make Photoshopped Clickbait Toenails Please?. 4. Can You Not Make Photoshopped Clickbait Thumbnails Fingernails Toenails Please?.

[@henrik1743]

Word No need to overdo it…

[@phenomfacemob1011]

So what you do on UR youtube channel?

[@bigmizzymike]

Came here just to say the same thing. I really enjoy these videos but can't stand being clickbaited. It's not necessary. This is the type of shit that will make me unsub. You've been warned WD!

[@cadejust6777]

@@bigmizzymike I Knew They Fake When 😒 When They Somehow Found Chickens Bones ☠️ Under The Pumper LOL 🤣😂

[@FunWithCars716]

Oh, you guys are in Cleveland? I saved a 1964 volvo 544 from a field West of Cleveland (Berlin Heights) that hadn't been on the road since 1978! Dragged it back to Buffalo NY and got it on the road again. I documented it too 👍

[@demo2497]

Hopefully you considered a restoration…

[@FunWithCars716]

@@demo2497 I'm not a restorer but I saved it and got it running and on the road again. If someone wanted to restore it they could though!

[@williammoeglin6191]

Hey, Mike! You are kick ass, bother. Heavy duty cleaner you are! I have always tried to keep my cars and trucks clean, clay bared, detailed and finish up with a ceramic spray and buff, all by hand as I have no power equipment like y'all. But, it is a labor of love and I enjoy the comments I get. That being said, You Guys give new meaning to a clean, shiny car!!! Keep up the Great Work! Love your videos. I have picked up some great pointers from your videos. I have even showed some of your videos to my wife when she was in our office and on her computer at the same time. She was Very Impressed, too! Sick'em Guys!

[@chelsabailey1018]

Fantastic find!!! Awesome results and kudos to Mike for getting the trunk open and ALL the hard work that he puts in!!!

[@richardw.smithjr.6683]

Brent, Mike & R.J.: Give this Corvette a detail transformation it never saw coming. Good butt-kicking on the ride. Good luck on future ride.

[@xavierStark84]

As Mike said, this was my favourite modern Vette for real. I'm from '84, this was excellent. With the Pace car stickers it was my favourite hot-wheels.

[@grimreaper5521]

True 👍

[@NorvalWhiteJr]

Love what you guys do to restore the quality of these vehicles. May your success generate into a huge successful business and beyond

[@gatouchstone]

Had to come back and leave a comment, just received my order for Puro. Amazing product. I have a camper that has black streaks down the side. Bought a different cleaner last year that was guaranteed to remove the streaks, did nothing. This stuff, Puro, with a magic eraser, no hard scrubbing, and all of the marks are coming off of the camper. Quite amazed, no soaking time, just spray it on and wipe. Just ordered the gallon so that I can finish this thing. This is going to be my go to, I think I can probably get rid of all other cleaners.

[@arisdulgerian2053]

Mike, you really do a lot on these videos. And I appreciate your knowledge of the engines and cars.

[@taylordansby8350]

Thanks Mike for the awesome work you do

[@nicholaswheeler3985]

Mike is awesome! Well done for going the extra mile. And a good looking chap too… You all are.

[@seanmcardle2713]

So glad to see you clean up the Vette. It’s a shame to see it rot in a field. I was lucky enough to buy an 07 C6 8 years ago. I still love and enjoy it.

[@gerry-p9x]

Whew. What prices to get the vette running and legal a good Candidate for a level entry father son project. But 16k for a runner plus is obscene. Flip as is to an enthusiast. And see what happens

[@davyd5629]

Keep up with the great work you do Mike on the show I love watching the turn around on the cars you do its fantastic well done

[@anthonyg7933]

I love watching cars get cleaned that don't run. 😁

[@lorigilbert3173]

I have a 1998 C5. I've had it for 14 yrs. And I've been Corvette crazy since I was 13 yrs. old. So seeing the condition of this C5 broke this ladies heart 💔😪 I was so hoping to hear her run. I know shops are expensive. Then it being a restoration shop even more expensive! You may have been able to find a mechanic to do it as a side job cheap. But anyway, Awesome job guys. Was so hoping to see this Corvette saved and on the road again. Incase you ever find another C5. Mike can try putting the key in the drivers door (if have key) and manually turn key 3 times to pop trunk open. And the sticky sterring wheel (Airbag cover) use Lemon Ammonia. Make sure its lemon. Use a carbon fiber cloth. Put a small amount of lemon ammonia on cloth and in a circular motion rub a small section of sterring wheel. Then wipe that small section with a clean dry micro fiber cloth. Keep doing small sections until smooth. The sticky steering wheel drove me nuts for years!😫 And every video I watched used all kinds of degreaser. And wore themselves out scrubbing so hard. But the lemon Ammonia actually worked like a charm and I only had to lightly rub. Of course it will be hard to rub on at first until the ammonia starts lifting the sticky. I went over mine like 3 times because it was sooo bad. And afterwards it was smooth like brand new👍😀 Wish I could take credit for discovering this fix. But have to say I learned this trick from Lyle with C & S Corvettes. Just discovered your channel and I Love it 👍😀

[@timnavarrette6932]

I’m about to send this video to my very good friend of mine. He’s an artist into detailing

[@markussteinmann2890]

You guys are just an awesome team. Thanks for all the hard work. We appreciate you. Greetings from South Africa.

[@MMatte75]

The C5 corvette saved the brand back in 97 it is arguably one of the best generation of vette first to have hydra-formed frame rails dual fuel tanks balsa wood floors, run flat tires and tire pressure monitors. And a six speed manual that you can pound day in and day out it’s a magnificent machine

[@ClevelandPowerPerformance]

Agree. What an awesome platform.

[@Germaphobe-ly7go]

For you, Mike. For you.

[@beliveaubrandon]

It's Puro!!!!! It's always Puro!

[@jamesjhonson4568]

No Corvette should be treated like this. Absolutely horrible, the person who did this doesn't deserve to own a Corvette

[@shannonireland9057]

Love your channel and the way you save cars that would otherwise be wasted.

[@sayantikadas1219]

Hyrygtrrrrrrf E E0z0z0z0 Z❤❤

[@billyackerman1340]

So sad to see a C5 in that condition. Can’t wait to see the rest of the video. I love my C5 Convertible

[@michaellecaplain3377]

Great video. Loving the new pro assessment element, too - I'd really like to see more of this!

[@aye3678]

Awesome work as always lads. Nice one for adding the segment at the end. It was a refreshing change

[@rschris]

When you get it cleaned up. You guys can make that Corvette one bad azz hot rod. That ls is gold those guys can make it a beast. Definitely hook it up!!!

[@wal]

You guys are killing it, congrats on the 1 million subs! Love your vids, keep up the amazing work 🤙

[@EllenTheArtist]

I'm a big fan of Mike, he's brilliant!!!

[@Pete_Finch]

It's wild to think that one day there will be C8 Corvettes that look like this. I owned a C5 and C5 Z06 back in the early 2000s and I too never thought I'd see one in this shape

[@WashWhiz46]

It was great to wash the Corvette, the details were complete, thank you⚡️

[@MrGibbie2210]

Nice to see you taking fo a referral to see how much it was going to cost to put back as a driver ... nice change, keep doing it.

[@davidhalloran2764]

Love seeing you break down the cost vs value, great vid

[@richardlafleur2511]

Y'all and Detail Geek are AWESOME

[@timhalstead9790]

My ‘04 C5 is lucky, it’s keep in a clean dry garage and has never seen rain or snow, only comes out on dry sunny days, still looks new and got that old time radio you were talking about replaced with a nice Pioneer touchscreen, still need to upgrade to LED lights tho

[@ronvan1362]

Great job Mike and A.J. Ashame someone treated that Corvette so bad.

[@Wesley_C]

I was a kid when I loved the Corvette C4 and the C5, It was so shame when these vettes are abandoned and it’s messed up, it’s seriously dirty.

[@courtneywallace871]

I might not clap when I get to Cleveland, but I cry when I first see downtown. Though I live in AZ now, Cleveland will always be my city. I miss it so much! On a different note, why don’t you guys ever power spray up in the wheel wells? This car is from back when Corvettes still looked like Corvettes.

[@justhimo2728]

Mike is my hero he always make me love life he full of happiness

[@MarkSmith-lf6sx]

Buy it. Wouldn't take much to get that beauty roadworthy again.

[@StevenSmith-pt8rz]

I don’t know. They didn’t start it ,or check to see if the motor was seized. If it is.Big Bucks. There has to be a reason it was left like that for so long.

[@MarkSmith-lf6sx]

@@StevenSmith-pt8rz hook power to it to see if it will turn over. Might just be an ignition problem. Wait and see what your shop tells you before making a decision. Good luck.

[@jt_dolla_signs]

This is the corvette I grew up knowing and love

[@xk3ll3yx]

That interior looks great after y’all cleaned it up!😁👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@elliot-oneboolane]

Awwww you guys both should get props for all you do! ❤ you guys are amazing 👏 🎉

[@DavidRoush-l4e]

Love your videos. Also like the new format of seeing what it would cost to get these cars back on the road.

[@Fluffy_Soft_Pink_Bear]

depending on the weather conditions if it flooded where it sat etc.. Its possible it might become a parts car and yes I paused the video at 4:25 to write my guess. So good luck and now back to the video

[@careavis]

Great job guys saving a C5 my Corvette from my early 20's love it.

[@gregghonore]

I have a 1999 C-5 black Convertible with 56,000 original miles. Love the car, looks great, garage kept.

[@johnteniteni8423]

Good morning Everyone from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@janesynnot7446]

Great work - especially Mike.

[@Blondie14]

Enjoyed watching you recover and detail the Corvette series Thanks Mike, love your work 😎

[@joealemanjr]

Great work fellas! Double for mike for the extra effort lol love it!

[@RyeitOut]

This was the last Vette that still had its signature pop up headlights.

[@OMEGATECH]

I've got a C5 so this should be very interesting, and informative!

[@jonathanbradbury348]

Hello, I’ve been following you for a while now. I have a c5 convertible I have just purchased from a friend who neglected the car outside for the last 4years. It has 60k original miles and is layered in dirt and dust and even under the hood it has a ton of leaves and dirt. Once taken care of I bet it will shine very nice. If there’s any way you could respond I would love that because I think it would be great content. You’ve only don’t one c5 that I’ve seen, but I believe this one would completely outshine the last one you’ve done. It runs and drives great btw.

[@timl9cas5696]

Well done Mike! Nice shout out!

[@damm1957]

All three of you guys rule!

[@waynepoe708]

Great Job MIKE

[@wyattgornick7525]

I don’t think anyone claps when they get to Cleveland 🤣🤣

[@aye3678]

LOL

[@speedfiend925]

DEAD 💀

[@edwardpitingolo3206]

Cleveland Rocks!!

[@StevenSmith-pt8rz]

But they may clap and cheer when they leave.🤪

[@Nicholas-ok9no]

Who got the clap in Cleveland?

[@foxstrangler]

Paying a shop to do the work is the killer. If you can do your own wrenching, it makes something like the C5 an attractive proposition. I don't touch stuff now as I'm retired and not as supple as I used to be, but I enjoy restoration work. This car is not full of modern electrics, is reasonably solid, so is worth some time and cash on replacement parts. You made a good decision based on what it would cost you, compared with an off the shelf car, but it's worth the cash to someone with the time and skills.

[@eduardocertain2227]

Beautiful Corvette, amazing video and you guys make the right decision.

[@philocleigh]

Mmmm... So ASMR. Thanks again, WD.

[@mikedunn1322]

Its a shame that whoever owned that treated it so horribly. I don't understand people that buy a nice car and destroy it. Makes no sense to me. Love your videos, You all do great work.

[@jeffgoward8840]

Well done gentlemen, Mike the Mechanic!!!

[@floodx4947]

The beauty of the C5 is that you don't 'need' to spend $12k to get them running and driving. They are super simple to work on, even more so if you have a lift. So while it may not make financial sense to rescue it, paying shop labor ... for even a decent 'shadetree' mechanic, they are a great car. (yes, I may be a little biased).

[@joedawg7275]

Exactly - you don't need to pay a shop to add fluids and see what leaks. Most everything is likely automotive 101 repairs.

[@Heartbreakrips]

The 69 charger with the hellcat engine is sick

[@trifunish]

Wow.Like brand new!And damn this black corvette C5 is great car and it s one of my favourite car!

[@iranouspolaris2035]

Save this Corvette it's a beauty🎉

[@fezziwig47]

Great work Mike and all WD!! bring cars back to life... who DOES that awful stuff to a car?

[@stefanschneider3681]

Great to get a realistic estimate of what is usually necessary to get them safely back on the road 👍!

[@justinhedrick2906]

I have an extremely clean 2001 Z06. The car doesn’t have a blemish on it. It’s been meticulously maintained. The steering wheel in mine also is oddly sticky. I think it’s the material. My buddy has had a ton of extremely clean early 00’s GM trucks and SUV’s - he adores them - and they also have the weird sticky rubber-plastic on interior trim in them.

[@sneakerhead6184]

Good job Mike!!! Keep up the awesome work!! 👍👌

[@timl9cas5696]

Great save by the way... not a huge corvette fan but that is a cool looking ride

[@derekmatte1]

Good job, Mike and team of the WD

[@Shyan42]

I'd guess this car would be used for parts....but it's just a guess. Love watching your videos. The before and afters are always amazing!

[@Stealthy_Flex_Panda]

I'd honestly love to see yall detail a classic fire or rescue vehicle on your channel.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

It’s a shame these beautiful vehicles have to experience a fate like this.

[@T-Dawg6.7]

Nothings beautiful about a base c5 😂

[@mr.eugene5754]

@@T-Dawg6.7alright Mr base 1500